Apparatus and method for electronic device for information services

ABSTRACT

An electronic device and method for accessing remote electronic facilities and displaying associated information on a conventional television set. The electronic device self-configures itself upon power-up or reset by initiating a data call to a configuring facility. Information related to available facilities and programming, autonomous mail checking is downloaded to the electronic device. The electronic device displays a menu including several user selectable facilities on the display for a user. The user chooses one of the options from the menu by use of a remote keypad control, similar to a conventional television remote control. The options available include printing, electronic mail and other news and information services. Interfacing the electronic device with a stylus-type pointing device permits sketching and drawing on the television, including superposition of images on captured television images. Captured images of graphics or text are optionally stored or forwarded to a user through a mail facility accessed through operation of the system. The captured images may subsequently be sent via facsimile transmission to other facsimile machines or receivers. The electronic device includes a speaker phone capability for providing audio information received over telephones to the television speaker. A microphone on the electronic device permits two-way communication. A menu item, selectable by the remote keypad, activates this option. The television speaker use permits access to audiotext and voice mail as well.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/770,520 filed Oct. 3,1991, U.S. Pat. No. 5,396,546.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but, otherwise, reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

This specification includes microfiche Appendix A having 2 sheets with114 frames, hereby expressly incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices for accessingvideotext. More specifically, the present invention relates to anelectronic device for interfacing to independent computer systemsthrough existing telephone systems (twisted pair or cellular) by use ofremotely selected menu items displayed on conventional television sets.

Many commercial and public information and service sources are availablein electronic form (electronic facilities). Electronic facilitiesincludes databases storing latest news, weather, financial andrecreational information, for example. Additionally, services such asconsumer services, audiotext, electronic mail, and facsimile or telextransmission are available through some of the facilities. Telephoneswitching systems are included in the term facility.

Conventional equipment for accessing these facilities includes speciallyprogrammable personal computers having specialized communicationsoftware and hardware. To access the facilities, a user acquires thenecessary computer components and configures them to permit access toselected facilities. Many users forego access to desired facilitiesbecause of the complexity and time required in acquiring and configuringthe computer components. Databases vary as to requirements for theirvarious components and configuration as well as protocol used foraccess, further increasing the complexity and time to access desiredinformation or services. Due to a large number of different providers ofthe information and services, it is sometimes difficult to ferret outparticular access information for desired facilities.

The complexity of the acquisition and configuration of the necessarycomputer components does more than deter potential users of thefacilities. Reluctance and caution on the part of the users, as well ascustomer premises equipment cost, also deters and impedes development ofthe facilities for access by others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides apparatus and method for simply,efficiently and economically providing facility access to any user. Theinvention permits access to and use of the tremendous information andservices available in electronic form without knowledge of computercomponents or configuration requirements. Access to information and useof the various electronic services is possible by use of a conventionalnumeric remote keypad for selecting particular menu items from menusdisplayed on conventional television sets.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it includes atelevision set, a communications device connected to a telephonenetwork, a remote keypad and a controller. The controller displays menuitems on the television screen and controls operation of thecommunications device. The menu items correspond to various servicesavailable to a user. Numbers, typically 0-9, identify the individualmenu items.

In operation, the controller preferably initiates an automatedconfiguration mode upon initial power-up. The automated configurationincludes initiation of a data call to a predetermined independentcomputer system to acquire configuration information and operatinginstructions. The configuration information includes data identifyingparticular services desired by the individual identified user. Theconfiguration information controls which menu choices the user mayselect.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a built-inmessaging system for the user. The system permits exchange of messagesto and from other electronic device users, computer users or variousfacilities. In this embodiment, the operating instructions of eachelectronic device directs the device to autonomously initiate amessaging call to a messaging facility at predetermined times when theuser is not using the telephone line. The system waits and calls laterif the telephone line is in use. The controller posts any untransmittedmessages at this time, and receives messages and any new configurationor operating instructions. If the controller receives new messages forthe user, it lights a message indicator. This tells the user newmessages are waiting, prompting the user to access them.

When the user activates the electronic device, the controller displaysthe selection menu which includes those options available to the user.One available menu item permits the user to read the messages. Theremote keypad controls the operation of the various features of theelectronic device, such as message scrolling, rereading, saving ordeleting particular messages, for example.

When the user desires to access the information and services, the userselects one of the menu items by operating the remote keypad. Selectionsignals from the remote keypad identify a particular menu item. Thecontroller responds to the selection signals by identifying the desiredservice associated with the input from the remote keypad. The controlleroperates the communications device to access the telephone line.Accessing the telephone line permits connection to an independentcomputer system providing the desired service. The controller promptsthe independent computer system to provide the desired information orservice. The controller displays the desired information or service onthe television, and waits for additional input from the remote keypad.Use of a printer or a video recorder connected to the controllerprovides the user with an ability to produce a hard copy of theinformation displayed on the television.

Another aspect of the invention includes a pen-type pointing, drawingand writing device for creation of particular images on the televisionscreen. A user controls a drawing cursor's position on the televisiondisplay by moving the pointing device. After creating a desired image,the controller, responsive to selection signals from the remote keypad,prints images created with the pointing device, or captures the imageand transmits it to an independent computer system. One embodiment ofthis drawing ability is a straightline sketching or CAD-type tool,similar to an Etch-A-Sketch®. The independent computer system, dependingupon particular menu options selected, directs the captured transmittedimage to another user or to storage for later access. It is possible tocapture television images transmitted from the television station andsuperimpose user-created graphics. One embodiment of this featureincludes an ability to capture handwritten notes and forward them toanother user in graphics form. Alternatively, screens from thiselectronic device, as well as information received from an accessedfacility, in file form or in an on-line viewing format, can all bestored, printed, sent and videotaped.

Some pen-type pointing devices include a click button for indicatingparticular user actions when operated. One feature of an embodimentincluding this type of pointing device includes an ability to simulatekeyboard input. The controller displays a keyboard image on thetelevision. The user subsequently identifies each desired key byclicking within the keyboard image at positions corresponding to eachdesired key. Positioning the cursor and selecting particular key imagespermits simulation of typing. The controller is able to capture andtransmit these typewritten-document images just as any other image. Manydifferent types of pointing devices are available. It is believed thatan IR responsive mouse-pen would be useful in many applications.

Still another aspect of the present invention includes an integral cardreader (credit or debit card, for example) with the controller. Thispermits the user to conveniently purchase goods or services by use ofthe electronic device. The card reader permits a user to purchaseproducts, pay-per-view programming, information services (videotext oraudiotext). Further, the card reader permits screening access of theelectronic device to restricted programming. In other words, to accessparticular features, a user must "swipe" a card through the card reader.The card may be a credit card to pay for the services or some otherspecially prepared and encoded card for controlling access. In additionto this screening mechanism, the electronic device may include personalidentification number (PIN) password protection for access to selectedservices.

An additional aspect of a preferred embodiment in use of the electronicdevice to access audio information, such as voice mail or otheraudiotext facilities. A preferred embodiment provides for use of theelectronic devices as a speaker phone. In the speaker phone embodiment,the electronic device includes a microphone and a displayed menu item,programmable and selectable by the remote keypad. Selection of the menuitem results in the electronic device answering an incoming telephonecall. Audio information is output over the television speaker. Theelectronic device can be used to record frequently used numbers (inputfrom the remote keypad) and display them in a menu. Selection of a menuitem initiates the desired call. Full conversation between the user andthe called party is possible. In the case of audiotext for voicemailrequiring DTMF signalling, the remote keypad may initiate thesefeatures.

The invention provides simple, efficient access to facilities (orlimitation to particular facilities) without acquisition orconfiguration of computer components. Users select desired services fromamong several services displayed in menu by operation of a remotekeypad. Autonomous self-configuration of the electronic device allows asystem operator to enhance services or operation quickly and ensure thatall users have their chosen services available to them. It is oneembodiment to include predefined configuration for specializedimplementations, such as private networks within a company ororganization, that can be preconfigured with desired options. Optimally,a central computer can automatically configure all electronic devices(and related menus) connected on a private network. One example of theprivate network would be hotels offering room services and checkoutthrough use of a properly configured electronic device. Otherembodiments include access to facilities offering interactive televisionand other real-time online services.

Reference to the remaining portions of the specification and thedrawings realize a further understanding of the nature and advantages ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a videotext system 10 including anelectronic device interface 20 having a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of electronic device 20 according to apreferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of one configuration of the electronic device20 including menu items;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating general operation of electronicdevice 20;

FIG. 5 is a top level software flow diagram illustrating a typicaloperation for a preferred embodiment; and

FIGS. 6A through 6C are detailed sections of identified portions of thesoftware flow diagram of FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a videotext system 10 including anelectronic device interface 20 having a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. The videotext system 10 includes an independentcomputer system (host computer) 30 providing one or more facilities auser desires to access. The host computer 30 connects to the electronicdevice 20 through a communications medium 32. Examples of thecommunications medium includes public-switched telephone networks,closed-circuit coaxial cables, and cellular telephone transmissionnetworks. The host computer 30 provides access to many facilities 31,including other electronic devices (EDs) 34, networks 36, personalcomputers 38, databases 40 and facsimile or telex services 42, forexample. Furthermore, for a speakerphone operation detailed furtherbelow, a facility may be a telephone 44. The host computer 30 includes aplurality of facilities 31 operable on the system itself. Additionally,facilities 31 on the host computer 30 provide access to remotefacilities 31 such as other EDs 34.

The electronic device 20 interfaces these facilities for access anddisplay on a conventional television 50. The user selects and controlsaccess to the facilities displayed on or presented by (in the case ofaudio information) the television 50 by use of a remote keypad control52. The remote keypad control 52 of the preferred embodiment is similarto conventional television remote controls for selection of channel andvolume, for instance. The remote keypad control 52 provides menuselection signals to the electronic device 20 for selection of aparticular facility of the host computer 30.

The electronic device 20 of the preferred embodiment includes astylus-type or pen-type pointing and writing device 54 for creation ofbitmap images on the television 50. The bitmap images include graphicaland textual information drawn by the user. The user is able to directthe electronic device 20 to capture images from the television 50screen. The images include any bitmap images created by the user. Theelectronic device 20 is able to transmit these captured images to thehost computer 30 for storage or forwarding to any of the facilities thehost computer 30 controls.

Additionally, the pointing device 54 is able to function as a text inputdevice by interaction with an image of a conventional typewriterkeyboard. Through display of the keyboard image on the television, andmonitoring cursor positions associated with "clicks" of the pointingdevice 54, a user may "typewrite" information on the screen.

The electronic device 20 includes an interface for a printer 56. Theelectronic device 20 directs selected, captured images to the printer 56for hard copy output. The printer 56 prints results of queries to thevarious selected facilities, the sketching or writing performed with thepointing device 54, or any other screen displayed.

Also shown in FIG. 1 is an integral card reader 60. This card reader 60provides a ready and simple mechanism for each user to access premiumfacilities having a surcharge, or for purchase of items displayed byparticular facilities, or even as an agent to arrange pay for viewtelevision programming.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electronic device 20 according to apreferred embodiment. The electronic device 20 is amicrocontroller-controlled appliance including a central-processing unit(CPU) 100 coupled to a memory 102, an address decoder 104, a peripheralinterface 106, a television interface 108, for audio and video, as wellas connection to a video recorder and a modulator/demodulator (modem)110 by a data and address bus. The memory 102 includes both randomread/write memory (RAM) and read-only memory. A power supply 120generates power for the components of the electronic device 20 (V⁺), aswell as to keep a battery-backup 122 charged. The battery-backup 122provides power for the RAM when the power-supply 120 is not connected toa power source 124. Additionally, the preferred embodiment of theelectronic device 20 includes the credit card reader 60 and an infrareddetector 132, both coupled to the peripheral interface 106.

The CPU 100 controls operation of the electronic device 20 according toinstructions stored in the ROM and the RAM of the memory 102. The ROMincludes an initialization sequence which the CPU 100 executes uponevery reset or power-up. The initialization sequence includes a set ofcommands causing the electronic device 20 connect to a particularfacility 30 and self-configure itself in one preferred embodiment. Theself-configuration includes receipt of particularized instructions forthe particular electronic device 20, depending upon an identificationcode stored in the ROM. The CPU 100 stores these particularizedinstructions in the RAM.

The CPU 100 addresses the components of the electronic device 20 throughthe address decoder 104. The address decoder receives addresses from theCPU 100 and asserts a select signal to an identified component inresponse to a particular address. Components with an asserted selectsignal from the address decoder 104 interact with the CPU 100, eitherreceiving instructions or providing data.

The peripheral interface 106 includes a parallel input/output port aswell-known for interfacing to the printer 56, to the credit card reader60, and to the IR detector 132. The peripheral interface 106 includes aserial interface for the pointing device 54. The parallel interface andthe serial interface are separately selectable by the address decoder104. Additionally, the peripheral interface 106 controls a speakerphone136 circuit. The speakerphone 136, responsive to a hook control signalfrom the peripheral interface 106, couples an internal microphone 138.

The television interface 108 includes a video controller for text andgraphics, connected to a video memory and a video modulator to producetelevision-compatible output. The television interface 108 connects to aconventional television for display of menus identifying the variousfacilities available to a user, and for displaying the informationprovided from a selected facility.

The modem 110, through an modem interface 134 particularized for thecommunications medium used by the electronic device 20, communicateswith a selected facility 31. The modem 110 permits the electronic device20 and the facility 31 to exchange information in a well-known fashion.

The card reader 60, a conventional device, reads magnetically encodedinformation on credit and debit cards. The card reader 60 providesoutput information to the CPU 100 through the parallel input/outputfunction of the peripheral interface 106.

The IR detector 132 receives menu selection signals from the keypadremote control 52. The IR detector 132 provides the CPU 100, through theperipheral interface 106, with particular key information selected.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of one configuration of the electronic device20 including display of selected menu items. The electronic device 20provides the user with a menu of available services. The sample menu inFIG. 3 includes seven items which the user selects by use of the remotekeypad control 52. The remote keypad control 52 does not employ atypewriter-type keyboard to implement the selected functions. Bydisplaying a menu having numbered entries and selecting a correspondingnumber for a desired entry by use of the remote keypad control 52, theuser accesses the desired facility. The electronic device 20 includes amicrophone 138 for a speakerphone function and a mail indicator 140which illuminates when new unread mail is available for the user.

The electronic device retrieves mail and other information in twomanners. First, if an "auto-poll" function is not enabled (an option inone of the main menus), the user selects the electronic device mailoption by use of the IR remote, prompting the electronic device to dialthe database and retrieve any waiting mail or other information. Theinformation is downloaded and the telephone connection terminated, orthe user can view the information "on-line". Second, if the auto-pollfeature is turned on by the user (or by the database remotely inconfiguring or reconfiguring the electronic device), the electronicdevice automatically dials the designated database at predetermined(either by the user or by the database in configuration) times,downloads "mail", terminates the telephone connection and turns on themail-waiting light on the front of the electronic device. Through theuse of the auto-poll function, the electronic device can be keptautomatically updated with timely, fresh information from the servicesselected by the user or by the database. The mail message, can forexample, indicate when a particular service has been activated and isavailable to the user, or confirm shipment of goods purchased throughuse of the electronic device.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating general operation of the electronicdevice 20 of FIG. 2. The electronic device 20 begins, afterinitialization, at step 150 and displays a menu of items available tothe user.

When the electronic device is first turned on, it automatically callsits database host to receive operating instructions (such as whichservices to access and when). To view information screens on theelectronic device, the user turns his television on, selects channel 3or 4, and the electronic device main screens are displayed on thetelevision screen.

The device, at step 152, next polls the IR detector 132 to determine ifthe user selected a displayed menu item by operating the remote keypad52. Absent a selection from the remote keypad control 52, the programcontinues with steps 154 through 162, and returns to step 150. If theuser selected a menu item corresponding to an available service of aremote facility, the program flow branches to steps 164 through 170. Ifthe menu selection signals indicate the user desires a printout of thescreen, the program flow branches to steps 172 through 176.

Steps 154 through 162 describe performance of the electronic device 20for receiving and displaying inbound data calls. At step 154, theelectronic device 20 checks the modem 110 for an incoming data call. Ifthere is no incoming data call, the program returns to step 150 todisplay the user menu. If a call is present, the program executes steps156 through 162. Step 156 answers the modem, step 158 establishes aconnection with a remote facility calling the electronic device 20, step160 downloads (receives) the data from the calling facility, and step162 displays any information from the download. After displaying theinformation, the program returns to step 150. The incoming data maymodify operation of the electronic device 20 by reconfiguring thesystem. The incoming data call may provide the user with an additionalmenu item if the facilities expand, or if the user requests additionaloptions.

Steps 164 through 170 access and acquire desired information responsiveto the selected menu item. The program retrieves stored informationrelating to accessing the desired facility from the memory 102. Thisinformation can include modem settings, node addresses, passwords, etc.Step 166 initiates and dials the modem 110, and step 168 establishes aconnection with the host computer 30 providing the desired service.After connection, the electronic device 20 initiates a download of thedesired information at step 170. After downloading the information, theelectronic device branches to step 162 to display the information forthe selected service. After displaying necessary information desired bythe selected service, the program returns to step 150.

Steps 172 through 176 produce a printout of the current televisionimage. Step 172 captures data for printing, either in text or graphicsform. Step 174 initializes the printer 56 and step 176 sends thecaptured print data to the printer 56 for printing. The program returnsto step 150 after step 176.

FIG. 5 is a top level software flow diagram illustrating a typicaloperation for a preferred embodiment of the present invention asimplemented in the source code included in the appendix. The source codeappendix includes five software modules to implement the functions ofthe electronic device 20. These modules include ED.C, EDDATA.C, ED.H,ED.ASM, and DRAWSUBS.C.

The ED.C module is the main program which calls the necessarysubroutines and functions to implement a particular combination ofservices for a user of the electronic device 20. The configurationprogram may be self-contained within the electronic device 20, or loadedremotely from a configuration facility, for example. The ED.C includesthe C-code main definition. ED.C includes some functions not found inthe other modules that are specific to text manipulation, such as forexample, scrolling.

ED.H is a C-program header file which includes the global definitions,tables and equates used in other modules.

EDDATA.C are strictly menu data in ASCII format. Each menu screenincludes a name, such as "MAIN MENU" for example. The ED.C programretrieves particular screens by reference to the appropriate name.

ED.ASM includes primitives for low-level operation of particularfeatures or common tasks. For example, these primitives decode one keypress from the IR receiver, send one byte to the modem, receive one bytefrom the modem, control the mail status light toggling, write one pixelon a screen, etc. Other features control graphics screens, the pointingdevice, card reader, and speakerphone for example. These may bedescribed as generic, universal routines to perform the selectedfunctions.

DRAWSUBS.C are higher level primitives, written in a C-language, forperforming a next higher level of functional control. For example, theprimitives in DRAWSUBS.C include code to use the primitives of theED.ASM module to draw boxes or lines, or to set a mode between graphicsand text, for example.

Details of FIG. 5 are found in the appropriate one of FIGS. 6A through6C. FIG. 6A includes a set of steps for initialization and activemonitoring for input from a user. Step 200 includes a power on/resetinitialization and self-test functions. After step 200, the devicedisplays its main menu at step 202. Step 204 is a main polling loop,waiting for different activities. These activities include detecting noactivity (step 206), a manual reset (208), a ringing phone (step 220), acredit card swipe (step 260 in FIG. 6B) or an IR key activation (step262 in FIG. 6B).

Detection of no activity at step 206 branches the program back to step202. A manual reset at step 208 returns the program to step 200 forreset initialization and self-test.

A ringing phone at step 220 results in the electronic device answeringthe phone (step 222) and a subsequent determination of a call type atstep 224. The call may be either a voice call (step 226), an incomingfax (step 228), a mail message waiting call (step 230), or aconfiguration call (step 232).

The voice call type results in allowing the user to normally use thetelephone to conduct a voice conversation (step 234) and return todisplay the main menu (step 202). An incoming fax results in theelectronic device logging into an appropriate facility (step 236) andreceiving printing the fax document (step 238) from the facility.Subsequently, the program flow returns to display of the main menu step202.

A message waiting causes the electronic device to log into a mailfacility (step 240), receive the message (step 242), and turn on themessage light (step 244). Thereafter, the system returns to step 202 todisplay the main menu.

The call type may be a configuration call, which causes the device tolog into a configuration facility (step 246), and receive configurationinformation at step 248. The configuration information may be menuconfiguration (step 250), program configuration (252) or securityconfiguration (step 254). After receiving the configuration information,the program returns to reset, step 200.

FIG. 6A connects to FIG. 6B at the indicated markings of A, B and C.FIG. 6B illustrates two other activities, credit card swiping in thecard reader (step 260) and IR key activation (step 262). Credit cardswiping results in the device reading the card information (step 264),dialing the phone (step 266), sending the card information (step 268)and obtaining any necessary authorization (step 270). The system returnso step 202, FIG. 6A, thereafter.

Activation of an IR key performs a selected function, correlated to afunction presently displayed on the television, in a menu format (step280). Representative functions, for purposes of explanation only,include speakerphone operation (step 282), get voicemail (step 284),send a fax (step 286) or do stock quotes (step 288). Other functions,including those previously described, may be implemented in similarfashion.

Step 282 is followed by dialing the phone (302) and conducting a voiceconversation (step 304) by using the microphone of the device and thetelevision speaker. The program flow returns to step 202.

After step 282, the device dials the phone (step 296), logs into avoicemail facility (298) and activates DTMF signalling to retrievevoicemail (step 300), if necessary. The program returns to step 202after obtaining voice messages, which may be presented on the televisionspeaker.

To send a fax, after step 286, the devices presents a drawing screen,recording cursor movements recorded through use of the pointing device(step 290), dials the phone and sends a password (step 292), and sendsthe image data to a fax facility (step 294). The image is typicallytransmitted in PCX format.

FIG. 6C connects to FIG. 6B at points D, E, and F. If a decoded IR keyactivation routes the program to step 288, the device displays asub-menu of stock quote options at step 306). These options includecurrent prices (step 310), volume analysis (step 312), foreign trading(step 314) or other service (step 316) or an option to return to aprevious menu (step 318), which in this case is step 202 displaying themain menu.

Steps 310, 312,314 and 316 advance to step 320 which dials the phone andsends the password to the appropriate stock facility. Step 322 retrievesthe appropriate data, depending upon the particular desired option, andreturns to step 202 for display of the main menu.

The configuration of the preferred embodiment of the present inventiondoes not limit itself solely to accessing and receiving requestedinformation. The present invention is able to access remote facilitiesand initiate desired activities on behalf of the user using theelectronic device. The present invention includes an ability to storeprofile information relating to the user, such as cable serviceprovider, etc. and initiate calls, at the users behalf, to authorize thecable service provider to provide "pay-per-view" service or interactivetelevision, for example. By using the credit card reader, or credit cardinformation stored in the memory 102, the electronic device may quicklyprovide access and authorization for particular events the user desires.In this fashion, the electronic device 20 provides a simple interface tothe electronic networks available to conventional computer users,without the expense and complexity of learning to operate a personalcomputer and associated hardware and software. The electronic device hasthe ability to capture displayed television images and convert them toPCX format, a widely used graphic standard. The PCX format is useful inmany forms, including facsimile transmission.

In conclusion, the present invention provides a simple, efficientsolution to a problem of accessing, using and paying for the manyelectronic facilities presently available. Complex and time-consumingacquisition and configuration, as well as training in use of thecomputer components becomes unnecessary with the present device. Whilethe above is a complete description of the preferred embodiments of theinvention, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents may beused. Therefore, the above description should not be taken as limitingthe scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. In a data communication system having a hostcomputer coupled to a data communications medium and an electronicdevice coupled to said data communications medium, a method forproviding access at said electronic device to a plurality of facilitiescoupled to said host computer, said method comprising the stepsof:calling to said host computer from said electronic device throughsaid data communications medium, to establish a first data communicationlink between said electronic device and said host computer via said datacommunications medium; transferring configuration data from said hostcomputer to said electronic device via said first data communicationlink; thereafter breaking said first data communication link; assemblingfrom said configuration data a menu listing a plurality of titlesidentifying said plurality of facilities; thereafter displaying saidmenu on a television coupled to said electronic device; thereafteraccepting, at a remote keypad, an operator input specifying a selectedone of said plurality of facilities; transmitting, from said remotekeypad to an IR detector coupled to said electronic device, an infraredsignal responsive to said operator input; detecting said infrared signalat said IR detector; thereafter calling said host computer from saidelectronic device via said data communications medium, therebyestablishing a second data communication link between said host computerand said electronic device via said data communications medium; andthereafter connecting said electronic device to said selected facilityvia said second data communication link and said host computer.
 2. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising the step of transferringconfiguration data particularized to said selected facility from saidhost computer to said electronic device via said second datacommunication link.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein said selectedfacility is an online computer service.
 4. The method of claim 1 whereinsaid selected facility is a facsimile service.
 5. The method of claim 4wherein said selected facility is a voicemail service.
 6. The method ofclaim 5 wherein said selected facility is an electronic mail service. 7.The method of claim 3 wherein said selected facility is a stock quoteservice.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein said selected facility is apay-per-view service.
 9. In a data communication system having a hostcomputer and an electronic device wherein said host computer and saidelectronic device are coupled to a data communications medium, a methodfor providing interactive access at said electronic device to datastored at a plurality of facilities coupled to said host computer, saidmethod comprising the steps of:calling said host computer from saidelectronic device through said data communications medium, to establisha first data communication link between said electronic device and saidhost computer via said data communications medium; transferringconfiguration data from said host computer to said electronic device viasaid first data communication link; breaking said first datacommunication link; assembling from said configuration data a menulisting a plurality of titles identifying said plurality of facilities;thereafter displaying said menu on a television coupled to saidelectronic device; thereafter accepting, at a remote keypad, a firstoperator input specifying a first selected one of said plurality offacilities; transmitting, from said remote keypad to an IR detectorcoupled to said electronic device, a first infrared signal responsive tosaid first operator input; detecting said first infrared signal at saidIR detector; thereafter calling said host computer from said electronicdevice via said data communications medium to establish a second datacommunication link between said host computer and said electronic devicevia said data communications medium; thereafter accessing said firstselected facility from said electronic device via said second datacommunication link; and thereafter transferring data associated withsaid first selected facility from said host computer to said electronicdevice via said second data communication link.
 10. The method of claim9 further comprising the steps of:generating an image from said dataassociated with said first selected facility; and thereafter displayingsaid image on said television.
 11. The method of claim 9 furthercomprising the step of storing said image on a video recorder coupled tosaid electronic device.
 12. The method of claim 9 further comprising thestep of storing said data associated with said first selected facilityon a video recorder coupled to said electronic device.
 13. The method ofclaim 9 further comprising the steps of:breaking said second datacommunication link; thereafter accepting, at a remote keypad, a secondoperator input specifying a second selected one of said plurality offacilities; transmitting, from said remote keypad to an IR detectorcoupled to said electronic device, a second infrared signal responsiveto said second operator input; detecting said second infrared signal atsaid IR detector; thereafter calling said host computer from saidelectronic device via said data communications medium to establish athird data communication link between said host computer and saidelectronic device via said data communications medium; thereafteraccessing said second selected facility from said electronic device viasaid third data communication link; and thereafter transferring dataassociated with said second selected facility from said host computer tosaid electronic device via said third data communication link.
 14. Themethod of claim 13 wherein said data transferred via said third datacommunication link includes configuration data associated with saidsecond selected facility.
 15. In a data communication system having ahost computer and an electronic device wherein said host computer andsaid electronic device are coupled to a data communications medium, amethod for transferring textual data from the electronic device to thehost computer, said method comprising the steps of:calling said hostcomputer from said electronic device through said data communicationsmedium, to establish a first data communication link between saidelectronic device and said host computer via said data communicationsmedium; transferring configuration data from said host computer to saidelectronic device via said first data communication link; thereafterassembling a menu from said configuration data, said menu including aplurality of titles identifying a plurality of available terminalfunctions wherein transmission of textual data is one of said pluralityof available terminal functions; thereafter breaking said first datacommunication link; displaying said menu on a television coupled to saidelectronic device; accepting at a remote keypad an operator inputspecifying transmission of textual data as a selected one of saidplurality of available terminal functions; transmitting, from saidremote keypad to an IR detector coupled to said electronic device, aninfrared signal responsive to said operator input; thereafter displayinga keyboard image on a television coupled to said electronic device,wherein a plurality of discrete regions of said keyboard image arelabeled with distinct characters; displaying a cursor image within saidkeyboard image on said television, said cursor image positioned withinone of said discrete regions selected by user adjustment of a pointingdevice; recording a sequence of said distinct characters labelling saiddiscrete regions within which said cursor image is positioned duringsuccessive user depressions of a key coupled to said pointing device,thereby generating said textual data; thereafter calling said hostcomputer from said electronic device via said data communicationsmedium, to establish a second data communication link between said hostcomputer and said electronic device via said data communications medium;and thereafter transferring said textual data from said electronicdevice to said host computer via said second data communication link.16. In a data communication system having a host computer and anelectronic device wherein said host computer and said electronic deviceare coupled to a data communications medium, a method for transferringgraphical data from the electronic device to the host computer, saidmethod comprising the steps of:calling said host computer from saidelectronic device through said data communications medium to establish afirst data communication link between said electronic device and saidhost computer via said data communications medium; transferringconfiguration data from said host computer to said electronic device viasaid first data communication link; thereafter assembling a menu fromsaid configuration data, said menu including a plurality of titlesidentifying a plurality of available terminal functions whereintransmission of textual data is one of said plurality of availableterminal functions; thereafter displaying a menu on a televisionconnected to said electronic device; accepting at a remote keypad anoperator input specifying transmission of graphical data as a selectedone of said plurality of available terminal functions; transmitting,from said remote keypad to an IR detector coupled to said electronicdevice, an infrared signal responsive to said operator input; thereafterrecording, at said electronic device, movements of a pointing device,thereby generating said graphical data; displaying said graphical dataon said television; calling said host computer from said electronicdevice via said data communications medium, to establish a second datacommunication link between said host computer and said electronic devicevia said data communications medium; and thereafter transferring saidgraphical data from said electronic device to said host computer viasaid second data communication link.
 17. An electronic device forproviding access to a plurality of facilities coupled to a hostcomputer, said electronic device comprising:means for interfacing to atelevision; a remote keypad for transmitting menu selection signals; adata interface coupled to a data communications medium to which saidhost computer is coupled; and a controller coupled to said televisioninterfacing means and said data interface and in wireless communicationwith said remote keypad, for: initiating a first data call to said hostcomputer through said data communications medium to obtain configurationdata from said host computer; assembling a menu listing a plurality oftitles of said plurality of facilities from said configuration data;displaying said menu on said television; accepting, via said remotekeypad, a user selection of a selected one of said plurality offacilities; and initiating a second data call to said host computerthrough said data communications medium to establish a connectionbetween said electronic device and said selected facility.
 18. Theelectronic device of claim 17 further comprising an access limitingdevice coupled to said controller.
 19. The electronic device of claim 18wherein said access limiting device controls access to restrictedprogramming.
 20. The electronic device of claim 18 wherein said accesslimiting device verifies user purchases.
 21. The electronic device ofclaim 18 wherein said access limiting device is a credit card reader.22. The electronic device of claim 17 further comprising a pointingdevice coupled to said controller for generating cursor movements onsaid television, wherein said cursor movements are recorded at saidcontroller, thereby generating image data.